By Sara StrongRock County has the chance to become one of about 20 regional sites for the University of Minnesota Extension Service.During the next three weeks, interested communities will have an opportunity to submit information on how their communities would be a good Extension site.This process is necessary after Extension’s latest reorganization that will leave fewer offices open. The new regional sites will be completely state- and federally-funded, instead of the local cost-sharing system currently in place. After this reorganization, everyone will have access to Extension services as they have in the past. However, Extension may not have an actual office in Rock County.Rock County Extension Director Holli Arp said the local Extension Committee met Monday to discuss the value of a regional site in Rock County and the chances of the state locating one here.The Committee indicated it may be even more supportive of researching how to get a satellite office, which would cater more specifically to local wants and needs. The Committee is just in the beginning stages of this discussion and hasn’t brought it to the Rock County Board of Commissioners yet.If Extension doesn’t put one of its regional offices in the county, Rock County can still decide to have one, but it will pay all the office costs. The county currently pays $110,544 in salaries, benefits and rent to keep Extension in the county. The county pays 60 percent of the 4-H Coordinator’s salary, and 40 percent of educators’ salaries. The county won’t know until mid-July where the regional Extension offices will be located.This week a state task force released recommended criteria that will be used in determining the location of regional Extension centers:oThe community and site supports a strong technology connection.oAn existing University of Minnesota facility will be considered whenever possible.oThe centers should be distributed geographically to ensure that Extension is available throughout Minnesota.oLocations that maximize value for anticipated costs for the employer, customer and employee will be sought.oThe location lends itself to increased collaboration with agency partners.oThere are existing acceptable facilities.oThere is an active commitment from the host community.oThere are partnership opportunities with other educational institutions.oThe site is a user-friendly location for customers and the deployment of staff.The new regional model of Extension will start in January 2004. Counties, local agencies and non-profits will have the choice of contracting with Extension for programs, services and positions. Also, the standard educational programming will remain in place statewide.
